The Ministry of Rural Development and Cooperatives in Bangladesh focuses on improving rural life and promoting the cooperative movement. This ministry implements various projects and programs aimed at enhancing the livelihood of rural communities across the country.
History and Establishment of the Ministry of Rural Development and Cooperatives
The Cooperatives Department was established in 1972 with the goal of improving the living standards of rural people and ensuring economic prosperity through cooperative institutions. The ministry has played a crucial role in formulating and implementing policies for rural development.
Address of the Ministry of Rural Development and Cooperatives
Secretariat, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh.
Number of Officers and Employees
Currently, around 2,000 officers and employees work under this ministry. They are responsible for executing rural development projects and overseeing cooperative initiatives across the nation.
Objectives of the Ministry of Rural Development and Cooperatives
- Rural Development and Modernization: Enhancing the infrastructure and overall living conditions of rural areas.
- Economic Growth through Cooperative Movements: Encouraging economic prosperity by fostering cooperative institutions.
- Development of Rural Infrastructure: Constructing and improving rural roads, bridges, and other essential infrastructure.
- Poverty Alleviation and Service Expansion: Reducing poverty through effective development programs.
- Agricultural Development and Irrigation Management: Supporting farmers with modern agricultural practices and efficient irrigation systems.
Departments under the Ministry of Rural Development and Cooperatives
This ministry operates through 11 key departments, each playing a significant role in rural development and cooperative activities.
1. Rural Development Department
- Established: 1972
- Address: Dhaka
- Staff Strength: 700
- Objective: Formulating and implementing policies for rural development.
- Subordinate Division: Rural Infrastructure Development Division
- Website: www.rdrsbd.org
2. Cooperatives Department
- Established: 1940
- Address: Dhaka
- Staff Strength: 400
- Objective: Overseeing and promoting the development of cooperative institutions.
- Subordinate Division: Cooperative Organization and Project Division
- Website: www.cooperative.gov.bd
3. Grameen Bank Department
- Established: 1983
- Address: Dhaka
- Staff Strength: 300
- Objective: Providing banking services and financial support to rural communities.
- Subordinate Division: Rural Credit and Savings Division
- Website: www.grameenbank.org
4. Agricultural Cooperatives Department
- Established: 2000
- Address: Dhaka
- Staff Strength: 250
- Objective: Forming and developing agricultural cooperatives.
- Subordinate Division: Agricultural Services and Training Division
- Website: www.agriculturalcooperative.gov.bd
5. Women Development Department
- Established: 1991
- Address: Dhaka
- Staff Strength: 200
- Objective: Empowering women through development programs and training.
- Subordinate Division: Women’s Self-Reliance and Training Division
- Website: www.women.gov.bd
6. Youth Development Department
- Established: 1982
- Address: Dhaka
- Staff Strength: 150
- Objective: Implementing development projects and providing employment opportunities for youth.
- Subordinate Division: Youth Training and Development Division
- Website: www.youth.gov.bd
7. Girls Guide Bangladesh
- Established: 1919
- Address: Dhaka
- Staff Strength: 100
- Objective: Providing education and development opportunities for girls and young women.
- Subordinate Division: Girls Guide Activities Division
- Website: www.ggbd.org
8. Rural Development Training Institute
- Established: 2005
- Address: Dhaka
- Staff Strength: 70
- Objective: Training rural development workers.
- Subordinate Division: Training and Research Division
- Website: www.pdti.gov.bd
9. Agriculture and Rural Development Project
- Established: 1995
- Address: Dhaka
- Staff Strength: 300
- Objective: Implementing agricultural and rural development projects.
- Subordinate Division: Agricultural Projects and Planning Division
- Website: www.aprd.gov.bd
10. Cooperative Research Institute
- Established: 2010
- Address: Dhaka
- Staff Strength: 50
- Objective: Conducting research and gathering data related to cooperatives.
- Subordinate Division: Cooperative Research and Development Division
- Website: www.coorresearch.gov.bd
11. Social Welfare Department
- Established: 1973
- Address: Dhaka
- Staff Strength: 400
- Objective: Supporting the welfare of poor and disadvantaged groups.
- Subordinate Division: Social Development and Assistance Division
- Website: www.socialwelfare.gov.bd
